In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, the Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, recently provided information on the various initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to support the socio-economic development of minorities. These initiatives aim to ensure equal access to education, employment, and infrastructure for the six centrally recognized minority communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis).

The Government’s focus on inclusive development has been reinforced through the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities, which integrates multiple schemes across ministries to promote education, employment, and social welfare for marginalized communities.

Objectives of the 15-Point Programme

The Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme was launched to enhance opportunities for minorities by focusing on four core areas:

(i)               education,

(ii)            employment and economic empowerment,

(iii)          infrastructure development, and

(iv)          prevention of communal disharmony.

Under this framework, 15% of the outlays and targets of schemes implemented by participating ministries are earmarked for the welfare of notified minorities. The initiative is crucial for ensuring that minority communities, which constitute 19.3% of India’s population, have access to government schemes that promote equitable development. The Government has identified 90 Minority Concentration Districts, 710 Blocks, and 66 Towns where resources are strategically focused to bridge development gaps.

Institutional Mechanisms for Minority Welfare

To safeguard minority rights, the Ministry of Minority Affairs was established on 29th January 2006, after being carved out from the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Its mandate includes policy formulation, scheme implementation, and evaluation of programs for minorities. Additionally, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) was constituted under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, to oversee the protection of minority rights. Initially, five communities were recognized as minorities, and in 2014, Jains were added to the list. Alongside the NCM, State Minorities Commissions function to ensure the protection of minority interests at the state level.

Another significant institutional body is the Central Waqf Council (CWC), which was established under the Waqf Act, 1995 (amended in 2013) to oversee waqf properties and enhance their administration. The Government also implements two key schemes through the CWC:

1.     Qaumi Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme (QWBTS): A scheme aimed at modernizing and digitizing State Waqf Boards to enhance their management. From 2019-20 to 2023-24, ₹23.87 crore was allocated under this initiative.

2.     Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana (SWSVY): An initiative that provides interest-free loans to Waqf Boards for the commercial development of waqf properties. ₹7.16 crore was spent on this scheme during the same period.

Beyond these efforts, the Dargah Khwaja Saheb, Ajmer, a significant religious site, is administered under the Durgah Khawaja Saheb Act, 1955, by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The Dargah Committee facilitates charitable activities, including Langar (free communal meals), medical aid, stipends for widows and destitute women, zakat services, and educational support. These initiatives highlight the Government’s commitment to preserving religious institutions while also promoting social welfare.

Education as a Key Driver for Minority Upliftment

According to the 2011 Census, the literacy rates of certain minority communities—Christians, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists—are above the national average of 72.98%, while Muslims have a literacy rate of 68.54%. To bridge educational gaps, the Government has introduced multiple scholarship schemes:

• Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme: Provides financial support to minority students from Class IX to X, with 30% of scholarships reserved for girls. Between 2008-09 and 2022-23, ₹12,250.44 crore was allocated to 710.94 lakh students.
• Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme: Supports students from Class XI to PhD, with a 30% allocation for girls. The Government sanctioned ₹5,171.52 crore for 92.39 lakh students from 2008-09 to 2022-23.

However, education alone is insufficient for holistic empowerment. Recognizing this, the Government has integrated skill development programs with scholarships to enhance employability.

Economic Empowerment and Skill Development for Minorities

Economic independence is crucial for the empowerment of minority communities. The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme focuses on skill development and entrepreneurship by integrating five earlier schemes—Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, USTTAD, Nai Roshni, and Hamari Dharohar. Some key achievements include:

• USTTAD Scheme: 21,604 beneficiaries were trained, and 41 Hunar Haats were organized with an expenditure of ₹288.68 crore.
• Nai Manzil Scheme: 98,709 individuals received training, with ₹456.19 crore spent on the initiative.
• Seekho Aur Kamao Scheme: 4.68 lakh beneficiaries were trained at a cost of ₹1,744.35 crore.

Additionally, the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) plays a key role in providing financial assistance to minority entrepreneurs. Since its establishment on 30th September 1994, NMDFC has disbursed ₹8,771.88 crore to 23,85,809 beneficiaries through microcredit programs and term loans.

Infrastructure Development: Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)

Launched in May 2018, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at developing infrastructure in 1,300 identified minority-concentrated areas. Under the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2022-23 onwards), the scheme has been expanded nationwide to improve access to education, healthcare, and employment.

Preserving Minority Heritage and Culture

Cultural identity is essential for the preservation of diversity. The Government’s initiatives include:

• Jiyo Parsi Scheme (2013-14): Launched to reverse the declining Parsi population, it has supported the birth of 414 children through medical, financial, and outreach support, with an expenditure of ₹26.78 crore.
• Pali Language Classical Status (2024): Recognizing Pali as a Classical Language aims to promote its study, particularly in Buddhist heritage research.
• International Abhidhamma Divas (2024): Celebrated on October 17, 2024, to honor Buddhist philosophical traditions.

Judicial and Constitutional Safeguards for Minorities

Minority rights are embedded in the Indian Constitution to uphold pluralism and social justice. Key provisions include:

• Article 29 & 30: Protect cultural and educational rights.
• Article 350 A & B: Mandate education in mother tongues and establish a Special Officer for linguistic minorities.

Judicial interpretations, such as the TMA Pai Foundation case (2002), affirm that minority status is determined at the state level, ensuring localized protection of minority rights.

The Sachar Committee Report (2006): A Benchmark for Minority Welfare

The Sachar Committee, formed in 2005, provided a landmark report on the socio-economic status of Muslims in India. Recommendations included:

• Establishing an Equal Opportunity Commission.
• Linking Madarsa education with the formal education system.
• Improving minority representation in government jobs and public institutions.

Conclusion: Towards a More Inclusive India

The Government’s minority welfare programs are designed to empower communities through education, economic support, and social development. By ensuring access to resources and opportunities, these initiatives contribute to India’s broader goal of inclusive growth and equitable development. The 15-Point Programme, PMJVK, PM VIKAS, and NMDFC schemes collectively foster a more integrated and self-sufficient minority population, strengthening India’s democratic and multicultural fabric.

Source: PIB